Water and Nail-clipping questions

So, I have the sweetest little kitten on the planet (aside from all of your kittens )

I gave her a little bath today with kitty shampoo, she didn't mind at first, then she got nervous about halfway through, but when I was lathering her she didn't mind at all, and calmed down again. When it came to the rinsing though she decided she was done. It was a hassle to make sure all the shampoo was off of her. She then ran off and hid beneath the couch only to come back in a few minutes shivering because she didn't give me a chance to dry her. Then she was very content being in my lap while I dried her. Is there any way to get her used to water? What's the best water temperature? Is there a shampoo that's the best?

Also, we had her nails clipped for us at the vet, but when I do it myself how do I make sure I avoid cutting the vein?


Kitty says hi (she loves to type on the computer):

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I find that it's easier to clip cat nails than nails of dogs.
Just clip off the ends where they curl.
Do cats really need baths?
If they are indoor cats, don't they clean themselves?

Well I bathed her because she just came from the adoption centre of the vet and smelled bad. I figure every now and then even an indoor cat could use a bath, or is that mistaken of me?

I have show cats which get washed before every show. My non-show cats get a bath about 3 times a year (just because). They are started as kittens so its easier as adults.

You want the water a little warmer then comfortable to your touch as wet fur is "cold to the kitty". I gave Charlie his 1st bath in the sink - you could have heard him in Canada. After that, I wash him in the tub and he loves it

As far a nail clipping - kittens grow fast - once or twice a week is good (check and clip as necessary). You can see the vein thru the white nails. Until you are used to clipping them, just cut off a little beyond the sharp tip.

Originally Posted by GoldenKitty45

I have show cats which get washed before every show. My non-show cats get a bath about 3 times a year (just because). They are started as kittens so its easier as adults.

You want the water a little warmer then comfortable to your touch as wet fur is "cold to the kitty". I gave Charlie his 1st bath in the sink - you could have heard him in Canada. After that, I wash him in the tub and he loves it

As far a nail clipping - kittens grow fast - once or twice a week is good (check and clip as necessary). You can see the vein thru the white nails. Until you are used to clipping them, just cut off a little beyond the sharp tip.

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GK is right - start them young and they'll get more used to it. We give Bijou and Mika a bath about the same - 3-4 times a year "just because".

I did hear Charlie - I thought I was imagining things.

I clip the claws about once every 2 weeks. Bijou is a real sweetie - I just wait until he's all relaxed on the table and just face him, pick up his paws and clip. Mika, on the other hand, has to be held and complains but will let us do the clipping.

I think when we get baby Jack next spring, I'll just start him in the tub and Charlie can come in and keep him company

Our rex, Spooky, which loved baths as much as Charlie does, would come in whenever I was washing other kittens/cats just to let them know it was alright

Originally Posted by GoldenKitty45

Our rex, Spooky, which loved baths as much as Charlie does, would come in whenever I was washing other kittens/cats just to let them know it was alright

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Farley comes in and cries while I wash Ana She is quiet, it's only him making all the noise. I don't bother washing them before shows anymore, so it's much less frequent now.